Super Mario celebrates an anniversary: the game that changed the world

For 40 years, Nintendo's iconic hero Mario the Plumber has remained an integral part of the video game world.

His journey began in 1981 in the arcade game Donkey Kong, where he appeared under the name Jumpman. It wasn't until 1983 that he received the name Mario and became the main character in the game "Mario Bros.". But the real triumph came with the release of Super Mario Bros on 13 September 1985 on the Famicom (NES in Europe). Since then, the game has sold more than 40 million copies.

As French researcher Alexis Bross, co-author of Mario Generations,points out, Mario became an icon by happy accident. His image - blue overalls and a red cap - was chosen because of the limitations of early graphics: it was easier to draw the character with minimal resources. But it was this simplicity that made him recognisable.

Mario fans of all ages still have a fondness for him. For example, 40-year-old collector Kikai has amassed more than 20,000 Mario-related items, from soft toys to carpets. He confesses, "My life would be completely different without Mario."

Over the years, the games have evolved from 2D graphics to three-dimensional 3D models, from arcades to large-scale adventures. Outside of the mainline, Mario appeared in spin-offs such as Mario Kart, Mario Tennis, Mario Golf and others. The heroes and antagonists - Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach - have become part of the cultural code.

Street artists like Frenchman In The Woup have been creating mosaics featuring images of Mario and other pop-culture heroes for years, placing them on the streets of various cities around the world. It's a way of bringing virtual characters into reality.

Despite competition from modern hits like Fortnite and Roblox, Mario remains relevant. As analyst Rhys Elliott of Alinea notes, adult fans who have become parents continue to play with their children. Nintendo is adapting: releasing Mario-themed children's products, opening theme parks in Japan and the US, partnering with LEGO and even luxury brands.

In 2023, the new film adaptation brought in over $1.3bn, becoming one of the most successful game films in history. A sequel is expected as early as next year.

Social emphases are also changing: whereas previously the hero's goal was to save a princess for the sake of a kiss, now female characters are becoming full-fledged heroines of their own stories. Nintendo is sensitive to changes in society, expanding audiences and role models.

Fans are eagerly awaiting a new 3D adventure featuring Mario after the recent release of Nintendo Switch 2 in June. According to Alexis Bross, everyone is hoping that the developers will surprise players with something groundbreaking and once again set the development vector for the entire gaming industry.